“Fiji’s Economic Divide: Who Really Benefits?”

Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has openly criticized the government’s economic strategies, asserting that they are crafted to benefit only a select few. During a recent session in Parliament, she emphasized that the quality of life for average Fijians has not improved, pointing to the alarming rise in the cost of living, which has rendered essential goods and services increasingly unaffordable.

Kumar highlighted the difficult decisions families are facing, forced to choose between necessities like medicine and groceries, or prioritizing rent over electricity bills. Despite the government’s claims of a robust economy, she questioned the reality of such assertions, asking who truly stands to benefit from the economic growth. She noted that farmers are struggling with escalating input costs, educators and healthcare workers are leaving for better prospects overseas, and small businesses are struggling to survive.

She argued that the government’s economic policies seem to advantage only a privileged few, such as multinationals and elite networkers, while the majority grapple with financial instability. The Opposition believes that the government has strayed from its obligations to the general populace.

Kumar advocated for a shift in priorities, urging the government to focus on tangible support for its citizens. She called for lowering VAT on essential goods to alleviate financial pressure on families, bolstering small businesses—which she referred to as the backbone of the economy—and addressing the departure of skilled workers by creating meaningful opportunities at home. She stressed that true success is measured not by statistics, but by the wellbeing and dignity of the people.

In a time when many face economic hardships, Kumar’s message serves as a call for change, encouraging investment in the populace, infrastructure, and job creation. While the challenges of rising poverty levels are daunting, the hopeful message is that with the right policies and a focused commitment to the wellbeing of all citizens, there can be a path to a more equitable and thriving society.

In conclusion, as the opposition sheds light on these economic struggles, it opens the door for necessary discussions about reform and improvement that prioritize the needs of all Fijians, fostering hope for a more inclusive future.